The Houston Dash acquired forward Diana Ordóñez and the No. 30 overall pick in 2023 from the North Carolina Courage in a pre-draft trade, both teams announced today.
Ordóñez made 17 starts and 19 appearances during her rookie season in North Carolina. The Mexican international finished fourth in the NWSL in goals scored with 11. The first year player finished second on the team in scoring behind Debinha.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Diana to Houston. She will add tremendous horsepower to our attack,” Dash General Manager Alex Singer said. “The record breaking 11 goals scored during her rookie season are just a glimpse of what she will bring to the team. She is a dangerous finisher, adds aerial prowess, and I am excited to see her reach new heights as she continues her development with us in Houston.”
Ordóñez played collegiately at the University of Virginia, where she finished with 59 starts, 62 appearances and scored 45 career goals, the third most in Virginia history.
"Since her professional debut, Diana has shown that she is a skilled finisher in the box," Dash head coach Sam Laity said. "She was a player that I dreaded going against last season, and I am happy she will be on our side next season. Diana is the kind of player we want on our front line - fast, creative, and deadly in attack. I am excited to have her join us in Houston."
The Prosper, Texas native was a three-time All-ACC selection and three-time ACC Championship All-Tournament Team selection. She was named a 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist in her senior season and named a 2021 All-American by the United Soccer Coaches.
At an international level, Ordóñez represents Mexico with fellow Dash teammate, forward María Sánchez. Ordóñez, who spent time in the USWNT youth system, made her debut for El Tri on April 9, 2022 against Anguilla. The forward burst onto the international scene with a brace after coming in as a second half substitute.
